Clarkstown
Supervisor Alexander J. Gromack has renewed his request for the review,
modification or reversal of a NYS Public Service Commission (PSC) mandate requiring
the ‘clear cutting of trees’ along electric transmission lines.

The
PSC mandate, embodied in “Order Requiring Enhanced Transmission Right-Of Way
Management Practices By Electric Utilities” requires
New York based utilities, such as Orange & Rockland (O&R) to develop
and maintain a right of way management plan for all electric transmission
lines.Part of the management plan
requires the complete removal, to the floor or ground level, of any
‘undesirable’ vegetation.

Supervisor
Gromack is submitting a resolution for Tuesday’s Town Board Meeting that will
call for a reversal of the PSC order.“This PSC order should be reviewed and replaced with one that balances
the need to protect our power lines with preserving our trees”, said
Gromack.In addition, the Town Attorney
will review any legal options the Town may have and explore opportunities of
working with other municipalities to reverse this action of the PSC.

After
requesting support from the former Governor a number of times last year, Supervisor
Gromack sent a letter today to the new Governor of New York, David Paterson
seeking his support on this issue in hope that the new administration is more
sensitive to local issues.

Throughout
the last year, Gromack met with representatives from both the PSC and Orange
& Rockland.As a result of those
meetings, O&R did agree to extend their ‘clear cutting’ cycle over a two
year rather than one year period.It was
hoped that an extension would provide Clarkstown and other communities with
time to request an overview and review of the PSC order.

In
addition, last year the Town Board, passed the Tree Preservation Law, intended
to prevent the clear-cutting and indiscriminate removal of trees by all.Clear-cutting contributes to flooding
problems and other negative environmental impacts, such as erosion and lesser
air quality.The law provides for the
replanting of trees identical or similar in type to the ones cut, and requires
a permit to cut more than the allowable amount.

Supervisor
Gromack said, “O&R has already cut down mature trees in their right of way
at Germonds Park and the Davenport Preserve.While we work to preserve Open Space, the PSC
mandates the destruction of trees. That doesn’t make any sense.”Gromack added, “It’s not just Town owned
property that is being impacted.As we
have seen over the past year, much of the impact is along private residential
property.”